Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-01-20
a MALfoNED OFFICIAL.
The Republicans Now Admit That Sccre-
tary Bayard Is No Hot-Headed Blum
derer. But Wise Statesman.

The Republicans Now Admit That Secre-
targ Bayard Is No Hot-Headed Blum
derer. But Wise Statesman.
While the Blaine organs, inspired by
the arch-disturber himself, were abus-
ing Secretary Bayard for what they
termed his cowardly policy in relation
to the seizures of American fishing YES
sells by the Canadian authorities, he
was pushing forward with skill, judg
ment and vigor the American side of
the question, and manifesting a spirit
and determination worthy of the great
country he represents. Blaine, Frye
and other demagogues accused him of
trucking to England and sacrificing
the rights of our fishermen by not pro-
voking a rupture with the British Gov
eminent. Mr.. Bayard remained silent
under this fire, quietly attending to his
duty in far more practical and vigOr-
GUS manner than his detractors recon-
mended.
When the proper time came he laid
the matter before Congress and COW
cred his detractors with shame and con-
fusion. There was an instantaneous
reaction in his favor, even on the part
~
him, and it is now universally acknOwl-
edged that the course of the State De-
partment all through this fishery dis
pute has been eminently wise and pat
riotic. Even the New York Tribune,
which most tierccly assaulted Mr.. Bay
ard, is forced to acknowledge: 1.-THE
State Department has argued various
phases of the fisheries question with
lucidity and logical acumen during the
year. 1t has had a strong case, and
with the powerful aid of Mr.. Phelps has
forcibly presented it." This is a change
of heart from an unexpected quarter
and shows that truth must prevail even
where falsehood is most cultivated.
But the Tribune might spare its adj
vice 10 the Administration in urging
commercial retaliation against Cana
dian vessels in American ports. 1t
criticises the Administration for pre-
ferring diplomatic method to aggres-
sive action. Fortunately for the
country, the Administration does not
propose to use such an extreme policy,
unless as last resort, and selects the
safer and more satisfactory method of
conciliatory argument. The State De-
partment does not intend to submit to
the Canadian Government arbitrary
Interpretation of the treaty of 1918, the
only agreement on which the question
can be discussed.
The only treaty that had brought
peace and prosperity to her fishermen
was deliberately abrogated by the
M.
deavored to serve the interests of Amer
lean fishermen, by making an arrange
ment with the British Government,
by which the fishermen should have
the spring and summer fishing and
enjoy privileges and opportunities
without expense, he received only
abuse for it. The Republicans refused
to entertain his project for joint COM
mission to settle the points in dispute
and Mr.. Bayard could only fall back on
this treaty of 1918. The beneficent
in 1854, brought about peaceful set
Element of difficulties similar to those
which now confront Mr.. Bayard. The
Republicans chose to abrogate this
treaty in order to place a 9rievous bur-
den on the shoulders of the incom-
ing Administration. Mr.. Bayard is
making a bold stand for the interests
of our fishermen, but great deal
depends upon Congress. If that body
refuse to consent to Il commission to
get at the damage incurred and open
the way to remove all difficulties, it is
not Mr.. Bayard's fault. He has proved
himself one of the ablest statesmen
that ever guided the affairs of the
department, and he disregards attacks
and SANDER, his whole mind being
absorbed in the faithful fulfillment of
his duty.-Albany Argus.